Backup LB McGinnis has knack for takeaways

During his three seasons with IU’s program, Marcus Oliver demonstrated a knack for producing takeaways.

With Oliver now gone, the Hoosiers seem to have found another linebacker with similar takeaway skills.

Junior college transfer Mike McGinnis has impressed with his ball-hawk abilities as a backup Mike linebacker through the first two weeks of fall camp. With seniors Tegray Scales and Chris Covington slotted as IU’s starters, McGinnis is adding to the Hoosiers’ depth at a position coach Tom Allen values.

“He is a takeaway machine,” linebackers coach William Inge said. “… He understands exactly where to be and that’s one of his strong suits. He may not have the fastest step, but he’s gonna be there when the needs to be there.”

During his two seasons at ACA College in Brooklyn, N.Y., McGinnis forced five fumbles and picked off two passes.

“Every practice, Mike’s around the ball,” Scales said. “He’s just got a lot of energy. He’s flying around, and when the ball’s tipped in the air, he’s making a play. He’s right there at the right time.”

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2 comments

It is good to hear about other LBs making plays during practice. IU needs the depth to keep play from dropping off when substituting players in the game. McGinnis would be a real find if he can perform like this during the games against B1G teams.